Wednesday, February 20, 2008

After SONY’s great ultra zoom camera – DSC-R1, the new Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 is the next SLR-like camera with CMOS sensor. However, good guys from Casio made a clever step with this gadget. They do not want to run for useless mega pixels and put 6.6 million total pixels into 1/1.8 inch sensor. As a result, the Casio EX-F1 can shoot at an ultra fast speed - 60 frames per second.Casio EX-F1 featuresLet us look around Exilim EX-F1 features for better understanding, how this gadget can shoot speedy than a digital SLR camera. For more details look through Choosing a Digital SLR: Nikon D40s vs D300 or maybe FinePix S8000 vs Fujifilm S5 IS Pro.6.6 Mega pixels with 12X Optical zoomThe EXILIM Pro EX-F1 incorporates a new high-speed CMOS sensor and high-speed LSI processor. After building in 6.0 million effective pixels and a 12X optical zoom, the developers focused on achieving a burst shooting speed capability that was hitherto unheard of. Using the camera ultra-high speed burst shooting for still images or its high speed movie recording mode, users can capture a split second’s movement with greater detail than before, allowing them to catch each decisive moment, and even motion that the human eye cannot ordinarily perceive.60 fps - Burst ModeUsing the still image burst mode, users can shoot at an ultra fast 60 frames per second. In burst mode, the frame rate can also be varied from between 1 and 60 frames per second while shooting. Up to 60 shots can be taken at once, so 60 shots per second for one second, or five shots per second for 12 seconds, are possible.Pre-record Still ImagesUsers can record images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before. Continuously recording at up to 60 images per second, a maximum of 60 images can be saved in the camera’s own buffer memory even before the shutter button is depressed. Even if users press the shutter a little late, they will still be able to catch that vital moment.Slow Motion ViewUsers can take photographs while, in the monitor, the momentary action that is before their eyes is displayed in slow motion. It is just as if they have slowed down the passing of time. Users can unhurriedly observe the motion of the subject as they press the shutter, ensuring that they never miss that crucial moment.Rapid FlashIt is possible while using flash to take up to 20 continuous shots at a speed of up to 7 frames per second, so even in low light, no more missed shots. In addition, the internal LED light allows high-speed burst shooting at between 10 and 60 frames per second.High Speed Movie Recording Up To 1,200 fpsThe EXILIM Pro EX-F1 can record high-speed movie footage of motion too fast for the human eye, for ultra slow motion playback. Users can select a recording speed of 300 fps, 600 fps or 1,200 fps. In addition, a Movie Button lets users quickly start movie recording without first switching from still image mode.Full HD MoviesThe camera features Full High-Definition movie recording capability. Users can record beautiful movies at a screen size of 1920 x 1080 pixels, at a rate of 60 fps. The Casio EX-F1 can be connected to an HD compatible television with a separately available HDMI cable to enjoy viewing movies.Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 specifications- Sensor: 1/1.8-inch high-speed CMOS Type CCD- Pixels: 6.6 million total; 6.0 million effective- Image sizes: 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1872 (3:2), 2816 x 1586 (16:9), 2304 x 1728, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480- STD Movies: 640 × 480 (30 fps)- HD Movies: 1920 × 1080 (FHD HQ/FHD Normal, 60 fields per second), 1280 × 720 (HD LP, 30 fps)- Hi-Speed Movies: 512 × 384 (300 fps), 432 × 192 (600 fps), 336 × 96 (1200 fps)- File formats: Still: RAW (DNG 1), JPEG (Exif Version 2.2), DCF 1.0 standard, DPOF compliant; Movie: MOV format, H.264/AVC, IMA-ADPCM (stereo)- Lens: 12 lenses in 9 groups, including aspherical lens Approx. 36 to 432mm 35mm equiv. (12x Zoom) F2.7 (W) to 4.6 (T)- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift- Operating Speed: High-speed Continuous Shutter: Maximum is 60 frames per second; Flash Continuous Shutter: Maximum is 7 frames per second- 2.8-inch wide TFT color LCD (Super Clear LCD), 230,160 dots (959 × 240)- USB/AV port, HDMI Mini Connector (output), hot shoe, external microphone jack, AC adaptor connection (DC-IN); USB : Hi-Speed USB- Weight (no batt) 671g- Dimensions 127.7 (W) x 79.6 (H) x 130.1 (D)mmCasio EX-F1 pros and cons Good - Full resolution at 60 fps- Hot shoe- RAW format- External mic jackBad- The price at $999 is an excess for SLR-like ultra-zoom cameras- Mono speaker- Longest menus ever- No optical image stabilization in Movie modeConclusionIn my opinion, Casio can make much more interesting SLR-like camera than Canon S5 IS or Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3. For more details look through Compare digital SLR-like cameras: from Canon S5, Olympus SP 560 and Sony H3, H9 to Panasonic FZ18 and Fujifilm S8000. What is more, the Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 is a right choice for those, who need fast digital camera for pets, kids and sport shooting. Moreover, this gadget is not bad for those, who do not want to busy oneself with huge SLR cameras and swapping lenses. There is just one trouble: the Casio EX-F1 costs much more than the Canon S5 IS or even great Fujifilm S9600. However, I hope that declared price about $1000 should be reduced. Or else this gadget cannot be attractive for consumers.

6 comments:

Look at this review:The Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1’s hottest features are ones that could not be fully evaluated on the show floor. The pre-production model shown at the Consumer Electronics Show was not fully functional: unfortunately, many of the burst and movie features were not working. Moreover, some features simply cannot be appreciated in the camera: high definition video, for instance.The Casio EX-F1 is the hottest digital camera at the market. The 60 fps Burst mode is enough to make any photographer lust after this camera. In addition, many consumers search for the perfect camera to carry in place of hauling around a digital camera and camcorder. The Exilim EX-F1 just might be that camera. The 6-megapixel camera will reach a wide market with its 12x ultra-zoom functionality and serious camcorder-like high-definition and high-speed Movie mode.The Casio EX-F1 comes in a surprisingly sturdy body and has solid components; Casio did not take shortcuts on this camera. It has a hot shoe and external microphone jack, proving it is a serious contender in the hybrid category. The Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 comes at a $999 price and will be available in late spring 2008. I think that ten hundred for hybrid of HD camcorder and soap dish with cool but useless features is a money loss.

I love the combination of High-quality Stills and High-quality video. What would you recommend for someone who wants both in a single, easy to carry, camera - but doesn't want to spend more than about $300?